news-engine

Xabi Alonso marked his first match at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea manager with a 3-1 win over Real Sociedad. In the Blues’ final pre-season game before the serious business begins away at Fulham a week on Monday, Morgan Rogers opened the scoring from close range before Jon Aramburu volleyed in a wonderful equaliser. That was deserved for the visitors, but Chelsea stepped it up in the second half and Joao Pedro scored twice to ensure Alonso got off the mark on home soil in successful fashion. Matt Verri was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players... Robert Sanchez 7 Brilliant reaction save to keep out Martin’s effort, before charging off his line to deny Oskarsson when he was clean through. Had no real chance with Sociedad’s equaliser but otherwise did everything else well. Wesley Fofana 5 Looked the shakiest of the back three. Too tight at times and it left space in behind. Really poor defending to let Barrenetxea cut inside int the box, lucky he curled just wide of the far post. Better when he moved into middle of back three and positive he played full 90 minutes. Maxence Lacroix 6 Decent first appearance on home soil for Chelsea. Played in the middle of the back three and kept it sage in possession. Got back well on the cover more than once and plenty of headed clearances. Read More Levi Colwill 7 Positive passing through the lines to Rogers and a vocal leader at the back, particularly towards Palestra. Not as convincing when getting forward on the underlap and into forward positios. Pedro Neto 7 Really bright at wing-back on the right. Had the beating of Gomez every time and his cross brought about the opening goal. Did not really have much defending to do, which suited him. Pushed his case to stay at the club. Reece James 6 Had some rusty moments in possession, as is natural after a late return to pre-season. Showed his class with perfect cross for Chelsea’s second. Clear leader for Alonso, who kept passing on instructions to him. Moises Caicedo 7 Dominated the midfield in the early stages of the match, mopping up everything. Dropped very deep in possession and looked to get Chelsea going in behind. Lack of control in midfield around him did not help. Marco Palestra 5 Heavily in attack early on but that influence faded and he struggled defensively. Weak clearance led to Sociedad’s equaliser and the visitors targeted that flank. Looks a real threat going forwards though. Cole Palmer 5 One lovely dummy in the first half but otherwise almost anonymous in the opening 45 minutes. Improved after the break as his influence grew but still not telling impact. Well off his best. Joao Pedro 9 Going into the new season in red-hot form. His header was finished off by Rogers and then he nodded in himself early in second half. Added a second when charging in behind and firing in confidently. Overall game was strong too - so difficult to get the ball off him. Morgan Rogers 7 Left with a simple finish when following in Pedro’s header. Took up some great positions and twice flashed balls across the face of goal that deserved to be finished. Understandably tired. Substitutes: Mike Penders (Sanchez 62’) 6 Comfortable afternoon for the goalkeeper, watching a couple of shots sails over the bar. Enzo Fernandez (James 62’) 6 Took the captain’s armband and sparked strong reactions, with some booing his touches and others loudly chanting. Always demanded the ball and flicked a header over. Malo Gusto (Rogers 62’) 7 Great ball in behind sent Pedro away to make it 3-1. Relished the freedom he had to get forward. Josh Acheampong (Lacroix 62’) 6 Looked good up against Alex Marchal with his pace and strength. Got across well to cover out wide as well. Romeo Lavia (Caicedo 75’) 6 Some nice moments on the ball. The fact he’s fit heading into the new season is good enough for Chelsea. Jamie Gittens (Palmer 75’) 5 Hard to remember him touching the ball after coming on. Didn’t look a natural fit in that inside position behind the striker. Jorrel Hato (Colwill 75’) 7 Good clearance when the ball was drilled into the six-yard box. One thrilling run, almost the length of the pitch, got fans up. Estevao Willian (Neto 75’) 6 Huge roar when he came on and so much excitement every time he got the ball out wide. Fired decent chance over the bar. Pep Chavarria (Palestra 75’) 5 Did not get forward like Palestra did, very quiet cameo.